The danger of ‘Yes’: an alert from the Bank of Spain
Recently, the Bank of Spain has issued a crucial warning about the need to adopt safer habits when answering phone calls. The organization has highlighted one of the most insidious techniques used by fraudsters to deceive their victims, known as the ‘Yes Scam’.
How does the Yes Scam work?
This scam is based on a method called ‘vishing’, which involves manipulation through telephone calls. Scammers look for the victim to answer yes to innocent questions, recording their response for later use in fraud such as identity theft.
The importance of caution
Despite the fact that fraudsters use deceptive techniques, there are currently no systems that allow bank transactions to be made using only voice recordings. Banks require additional information to confirm transactions, but criminals will try to gain your trust in order to obtain personal data.
Other dangerous scammers’ tactics
Scammers use a variety of techniques to trick victims. Among them, impersonation, where they pretend to be bank employees, and automated calls, which seek to inform about unsolicited services.
Manipulation through innocent questions
Questions like ‘Have you authorized this transaction?’ they are designed to make the victim feel comfortable and to elicit an affirmative response, which will be recorded and used in the future.
Tips to avoid being a victim of scams
To protect yourself from phone scams, it is essential to follow some practical tips:
Act with caution
If you receive a call from an unknown number, it is best to hang up immediately. Don’t get carried away by curiosity.
Avoid affirmative answers
Instead of responding with a ‘Yes’, use a neutral greeting like ‘good morning’ to avoid compromised recordings.
Constant review of accounts
Monitor your bank accounts regularly to identify any suspicious activity.
Protect your personal information
Never share personal information during a call without verifying the caller’s identity.
Check unknown numbers
If you’re in doubt about a number, do an Internet search to see if it’s associated with fraudulent activity.
Final thoughts on telephone security
In a world where phone scams are becoming more and more common, awareness and caution are key to protecting yourself. Adopting safe habits when answering the phone can make the difference between falling victim to fraud or keeping your personal information safe.
